Long ago, Gujarat was Congress’ stronghold. But in last five decades, Bharatiya Janata Party has established its command over this State of industrious people. Now with a thought to take a cue from BJP’s Gujarat Model, Congress has decided to hold its national convention in first week of April at Ahmedabad. The convention will have a Nagpur connection as two Congressmen from city are playing major roles in organising the convention. Senior Congress leaders Mukul Wasnik and Ramkishan Ojha, both from Nagpur, have been given the responsibility of coordination. Ojha has been asked to take care of reception committee’s work as well. Another stalwart from Nagpur contributing is Avinash Pandey, in-charge of Congress unit of Uttar Pradesh.

 

Under his leadership, Congress made dent to Bharatiya Janata Party during Lok Sabha polls, which nobody expected. Congress has been bestowing various responsibility of Gujarat to Ojha and Wasnik for the past few years. Ojha is also the Gujarat State Congress in-charge. Similarly, Wasnik along with Ojha, have been playing important roles during elections in Gujarat. Considering that aspect, AICC has given the task of coordination to both these leaders. Avinash Pandey said, “This convention is aiming at strengthening the party. The discussion will not be held on multiple issues. The party is planning to revive itself and bring amendment in election management. We need to build the morale of the party member and focus on its expansion.”

 

While talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Ojha said, “We are very much happy and excited as we from Nagpur have got this opportunity. Through this convention, Congress is planning to restructuring the party. We are planning to strengthen its base throughout the country. All the District Presidents of the party throughout the country will be taken to the newly-built Congress Bhavan at Delhi before the convention. During this visit, the senior leaders will guide the party’s office-bearers.” Around 3,000 delegates from across the country are expected to take part in the ‘historic’ national convention being held after 64 years in Gujarat.

 

This is third time that Congress is holding its convention in Gujarat after 1938 at Haripura, Bardoli and then in 1961 at Bhavnagar. According to sources, Congress leaders are thinking to keep their traditional way of thinking aside and take a leaf from BJP’s Gujarat Model. A senior leader on condition of anonymity said that Congress needs to give up its condescending approach if it wants to be victorious in coming polls. The party has still good line-up of leaders, it has to push itself. It also needed to work on the factor of factionalism, felt this leader.